Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Criminal Provisions Against Doping Offences

India Strengthens Global Anti-Doping Cooperation at WADA GAIIN Final Conference

“Doping Today is No Longer an Individual Act but an Organised Multinational Enterprise”: Dr. Mandaviya

“India is committed not only to sporting excellence but to upholding the highest standards of integrity”: Union Sports Minister

Robust Legal Reforms, Education, and Technology Driving India’s Clean Sport Commitment

New Delhi, April 2026: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Final Conference of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Global Anti-Doping Intelligence & Investigations Network (GAIIN), outlining India’s strong commitment to clean sport and global cooperation in combating doping.

Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, the Minister stated that “a global anti-doping intelligence and investigations network can play an important role in strengthening cooperation in these critical areas,” adding that the conference brings together key stakeholders in the global fight against doping.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that India has undertaken proactive reforms “not just for compliance, but with a genuine commitment to the integrity of sports.” 

He pointed to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 as a robust statutory framework, and noted that the National Anti-Doping Amendment Act, 2025 aligns India’s regulations with global standards. 

Dr. Mandaviya said the government is working towards introducing criminal provisions against those involved in administering or trafficking prohibited substances.

Dr. Mandaviya noted that while earlier efforts were largely confined to laboratory testing protocols and athlete compliance, doping today is no longer an individual act of misconduct, but an organised multinational enterprise, underscoring the need for coordinated global response to effectively dismantle such networks.

Recognising the need for stronger global partnerships, Mr. Witold Bańka, President, WADA, stated, “WADA’s Intelligence and Investigations model has evolved to strengthen cooperation between National Anti-Doping Organizations and law enforcement agencies. 

“This model is built on partnerships. It brings together the expertise of anti-doping professionals with the capabilities of law enforcement, supported by international partners such as Europol and INTERPOL,” he added.

Speaking on India’s growing global role, the Minister said that hosting international engagements such as WADA workshops and the current conference has significantly enhanced our investigation capacities and strengthened our anti-doping ecosystem. He reiterated India’s ambition, stating that the country is “emerging as a global sporting powerhouse with both direction and momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

He further underlined India’s investments in sports development, including infrastructure, talent identification, and scientific training. Initiatives such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement, he said, are transforming the sporting ecosystem and making sports an integral part of our national identity.

Emphasising the ethical dimension, the Minister stated that “athlete values must remain at the core of sporting excellence.” He added that “sports has the power to foster discipline, integrity, and character, but rising competitive pressures can sometimes lead to unethical choices.” Reinforcing the need for awareness, he stated that it is essential to promote fairness, honesty, and respect at every level of sport.

On preventive measures, Dr. Mandaviya stressed that “prevention remains the most effective strategy,” adding that “providing the right information at the right time empowers athletes to make informed decisions and avoid both intentional and accidental violations.” He highlighted the role of education, stating that it must be continuous throughout an athlete’s journey.

He informed that the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India has adopted a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to awareness through workshops, seminars, digital campaigns, and event-based learning. Special education modules have also been developed for athletes with disabilities under a universal design framework.

Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), highlighted India’s proactive approach, noting, “The Ministry of Sports has worked towards strengthening the institutional and investigative capacity of the National Anti-Doping Agency, including closer coordination with enforcement agencies and improved information sharing. Partnerships with organisations such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation are critical in addressing risks arising from contaminated or unregulated substances, which remain a significant global concern.”

The Minister also highlighted technological interventions such as the “Know Your Medicine” mobile application, which helps athletes verify medicines for prohibited substances. Addressing the issue of contaminated supplements, he noted the establishment of advanced testing facilities at premier institutions to safeguard athletes.

Sharing progress in testing and enforcement, Dr. Mandaviya stated that India has expanded its anti-doping testing from around 4,000 tests in 2019 to approximately 8,000 tests in the past year. He noted a significant decline in adverse analytical findings, from 5.6% in 2019 to less than 2% currently, reflecting the impact of sustained awareness and preventive efforts.

Shri Anant Kumar, DirectorGeneral, NADA India, highlighted the scale and evolution of India’s anti-doping efforts, stating, “Our testing programme has expanded significantly in recent years, complemented by a strategic shift towards risk-based and effectiveness-driven approaches. However, as we recognise, testing alone is no longer sufficient, and integration, intelligence, and education must form the core of our anti-doping framework.”

The Union Minister further shared that India is working towards establishing new WADA-compliant drug testing laboratories to meet growing demand and strengthen the national anti-doping framework.

Reaffirming India’s commitment, the Minister stated that “no single entity can address the challenge of doping in isolation,” stressing the need for strong partnerships between governments, regulators, and sporting bodies. He further stated that “India remains committed not only to sporting excellence but to upholding the highest standards of integrity,” and described the conference as a statement of our collective resolve to ensure that sport remains fair and true to its values.

On the panel were also Mr. Gunter Younger, Director, Intelligence & Investigations, WADA; and Mr. Francisco Portugal, INTERPOL.